Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
6.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Discover and taste the treasures and delightful authentic charms of the Burgundy vineyards. Known as the 'Capital of Burgundy wines', Beaune is perfect for a short break as well as a base for exploring Burgundy. A gateway to the most beautiful French vineyards, Beaune is a paradise for wine lovers. Take a stroll through the medieval town centre and admire the town's highlights, such as the Hotel-Dieu, a 15th-century hospital that has been immaculately preserved and renovated.
Here, culture and tradition thrive amid some of the world's most prestigious vineyards, which are now collectively recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the wine routes by bike through famous Grands Crus in Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits.
Each day discover opportunities to sample fine wines and visit esteemed producers before stopping for lunch in unspoilt villages set against a backdrop of swaying vines and ancient oak forest.
Your hotel is a former mail coach service office of Beaune. A charming 18th century building ideally located at 5 min walk from the historical centre of Beaune. Given the fantastic variety of restaurants on your doorstep, we thought you'd appreciate us leaving the choice to you. This area is popular with gastronomes and for good reason! You can look forward to fine dining on Filet de boeuf flambe a la sauce creme de truffe or Sandre aux echalotes confites et au Pommard and sampling some of the regional cheeses - Brillat Savarin and Epoisses - accompanied by the region's incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
This is a lovely peaceful area where you cycle through rural villages and vineyards. We have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages and have tried to stay away from major roads wherever possible. Distances vary, and parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so you can take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long distance views.
Wander the streets of Beaune and explore the historical city centre. The wine Hospices, the Basilica, and the mustard factory are some of the places to enjoy. Your hotel is the former mail coach service office of Beaune. A charming 18th century building ideally located a 5-minute walk from the historical centre of Beaune.
You stay at hostellerie de la Bretonniere.
In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
A day through Cotes de Beaune area, allowing you to visit famous vineyards.
First stop is in Pommard. When one thinks of red wine, Pommard is a name that first comes to mind, a name evocative of a village and an iconic vineyard of Burgundy where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. A pleasure for the eyes as well as the tongue, Pommard is home to an 18th century castle built in front of the vineyards, boasting magnificent French-style gardens, vaulted cellars and an astonishing art gallery with exceptional cuvees. Then, Volnay and Meursault. The unjustly charming capital of the great white wines of Burgundy, with a vineyard mostly planted with chardonnay grapes, lying in the middle of the hills of a gentle slope. Continue via Santenay towards Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet, located on a rocky hill of a bald mountain which is a terroir of excellence in the heart of the Cote de Beaune. In this ocean of vineyards, Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet are two villages, accomplices and rivals at the same time, that share the honour of producing the world's grandest dry white wine. You will find many opportunities to taste and purchase products along the way.
Cycle from Beaune towards Nuits Saint Georges to discover the surrounding vineyards. The small town that gives its name to the famous Cote de Nuits deserves a stop, and not only because it is the cradle of some of the world's greatest red wines. Nuits-Saint-Georges also welcomes the Imaginarium, an institution meant to teach all about the vineyard world by having fun, and the Cassissium, a place dedicated to cassis, the black gold of Burgundy. Then return to Beaune via an alternative route. Extra riding is possible cycling on gentle rolling roads to Clos Vougeot, one of the largest single vineyards in Burgundy producing grand cru wines. This majestic castle crowned with a roof of glazed tiles, is standing like an islet planted in the middle of the vineyards. You can see it from a distance, and approach the awe-inspiring portal of this mythical enclosure with a little thrill.
This itinerary will take you towards Savigny les Beaune, a small village between the Corton hill and Beaune. Savigny is part of a very old vineyard, which used to belong to the local dukes and abbeys. It houses nowadays 4 atypical museums - the Abarth racing car museum, an aviation museum, a motorcycle museum, and of course the vine museum.
After breakfast depart from Beaune.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £237.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
6.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions